Overview & Reviews

Back in the 1990s, the Nissan Maxima was ideally positioned as a bridge between midsize family sedans and out-of-reach European sport sedans thanks to its powerful V6, upscale interior and catchy "Four-Door Sports Car" marketing tagline. These traits, along with Nissan's continual improvements, ensured the Maxima loyal followers and strong name recognition.

Since that time, other automakers have targeted the Maxima's niche and brought out excellent competing models. For a little while, the Maxima struggled to keep up. The current-generation Maxima, however, is again a compelling choice if you're looking for a sedan that provides both performance and luxury.

Current Nissan Maxima
The Nissan Maxima is a midsize sedan that packs a 290-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine. Sending the engine's power to the front wheels is a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

There are two available trim levels: S and SV. The base-model S is pretty well equipped, with a standard features list that includes amenities like a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and a full complement of safety features. SV models pump up the luxury with features like xenon headlights, leather upholstery and a touchscreen interface with a USB/iPod interface.

A pair of packages available on the SV allows buyers to equip their Maxima with either a wealth of luxury/convenience items (Premium) or sportier performance/appearance items (Sport). To either of these, the Technology package adds a number of high-tech features. This all-or-nothing packaging system means the Maxima can get expensive very quickly.

Despite this, our editors have praised the current Nissan Maxima for its powerful V6 engine and well-tuned suspension. It also offers a high-quality interior and many premium features that make it feel like an entry-level luxury car. However, it's priced like an entry-level luxury car, too, which may be a turn-off to those who'd appreciate a luxury badge to match.

Used Nissan Maximas
The current, seventh-generation Maxima debuted for the 2009 model year. Other than slight styling tweaks and variations in standard and optional equipment, it's effectively been unchanged since.

The previous, sixth-generation model spanned 2004-'08. This Maxima was longer, wider and more powerful than earlier models, though it struggled to stand out against the competition.

Two trim levels were offered during this generation: SE and SL. With a slightly stiffer suspension, the SE was the sportier of the two. Standard features included 18-inch wheels, an eight-speaker CD stereo, keyless entry and one-touch up-down front windows. The more luxury-oriented SL offered 17-inch wheels, softer tuning, wood interior trim, heated leather seats, HID headlights and a 320-watt Bose audio system.

Changes were minimal throughout this model's run, so interested shoppers needn't fixate on a particular year. There was a transmission change, however. Maximas from 2007 and 2008 featured a CVT, while earlier models came with either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. Earlier Nissan CVTs were disappointing, but the Maxima's CVT worked quite well. The V6 offered by the more recent models in this generation boasts 255 hp, while older models list a higher rating (265). This is the result of a new power rating procedure enacted in 2007. Actual engine performance was unchanged.

In our reviews, we determined that the sixth-generation Nissan Maxima offered better power, comfort and interior space compared to other V6-powered, front-drive midsize sedans. This generation Maxima's driving dynamics didn't impress like some other competitors, though. Fit and finish and materials quality were also hit and miss. If you're shopping for a used car in this age range, the Maxima might be worth a look. But we'd also recommend the Acura TSX and VW Passat.

Fifth-generation Nissan Maximas were available from 2000-'03. Key improvements over earlier models were a smooth-revving 222 hp from the standard 3.0-liter V6, a boost in rear-seat legroom and an available 200-watt Bose audio system. At the time, our editors were still impressed with the car's power and interior room but were increasingly skeptical of its value. Further upgrades in 2002 included a bump in displacement (3.5 liters) and power (255 hp) to help keep the Maxima at least marginally ahead of Nissan's V6-powered Altima sedan.

Cars built for the 1995-'99 model years constitute the fourth generation. For this Maxima, Nissan added length, improved the quality of the interior and introduced a new 190-hp all-aluminum V6 for all trim levels, which was arguably the gold standard in its day for responsiveness and refinement. Its handling wasn't quite as responsive as the previous version and its styling wasn't very well received, but it was still very popular given its desirable combination of utility, performance and luxury.

The third-generation car was built for the 1989-'94 model years. Nissan was enjoying a product renaissance at the time, and this was the first Nissan Maxima with true sporting credentials. Unlike other Japanese midsize sedans, the Maxima came with a V6 only and an optional manual transmission. Early versions had a 160-hp V6; a 190-hp engine became available in 1992 for the Maxima SE. A second-gen Maxima was available from 1985-'88.

The Maxima is one of Nissan's most historic vehicles in the U.S. market. Known originally as the Datsun 810, it officially became Maxima in 1982 -- also the year that the Datsun brand began its metamorphosis into Nissan.

User Reviews:

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  Fantastic Car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By lz - July 19 - 4:53 am

  I sold Hondas and Acuras for seven years and I thought that they were a gift to the automotive public. The truth is that they are damn good cars, but the Maxima is truly an exceptional car when one examines it closely. The V6 out performs any other V6 in its class and those well above it. The layout of the controls, the quality of the materials, and the interior space are all unequaled in a sedan at this price. It is a good handling car, it brakes well, and it has very good safety features. Plenty of trunk space, and a great Bose stereo brings it together.

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  2004 maxima - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By cotton - July 14 - 2:00 am

  great looks,handles well,and the price is good for a family sized car with plenty of power and good fuel mileage. It has classy looks and performs well.

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  Love My Maxima! - 1997 Nissan Maxima
  By ycwinpa - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Bought my fully-equipped 97 Maxima SE with 7-8 miles on it in May of 97. Have had it for almost 5 years now and the only problem Ive had is a failed alternator at around 50,000. The Maxima is a smooth and fun car to drive, with pretty good handling and acceleration. The cabin is ergonomically designed, comfortable, and roomy, altough it could be better insulated from road noise. Nissan could improve the Maximas gas mileage. I dont seem to get good gas mileage. Maybe its because I enjoy driving the car and pushing it to its limit so much.

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  Great Value and Fun to Drive - 2001 Nissan Maxima
  By bills01se - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I bought a new 2001 SE about 18 months ago. It has been a great car to date. The performance, comfort, and styling are great. The bang for the buck is huge. I cant understand why someone would choose an Accord or Camry over this car. I have averaged 23 mpg running regular unleaded, and I have had NO performance problems whatsoever. I did have to get the CD player replaced b/c it never worked. Additionally, I just replaced the stock tires at 27k. Overall, I would highly recommend this car to anybody.

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  Most fun to drive the car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By amar - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This is the most fun I had to drive a car. Its very powerful with lot of horses and its got all the comfort of a luxury car...

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  its a great car - 2002 Nissan Maxima
  By jeffery - July 12 - 10:00 am

  its has a very powerfull v6 and verry comfortable its fuel economy is great. nissans build quality cars that last forever

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  My 2nd Maxima and 3rd Nissan Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By azschaefer - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. I loved my 01 SL but this is so much better. Roomy, fun to drive and it turns a lot of heads. I love the skyview too. I purchased in 5/03 and have more than 17K miles now...gets 26-27 mpg on freeway and 23-25 in the city. I sit traffic everyday and it still gets gas mileage.I didnt get the nav. system but love the display anyway, has a lot of useful info. especially the maintenance reminder. Will definitely recommend and purchase the next generation.

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  Great Car - 2004 Nissan Maxima
  By efy - July 6 - 6:40 pm

  We bought this car in March of 2010, with 85,000 miles; it now has 96,000, after only 5 months. So far, it has been a very reliable, roomy, and comfortable family car. We average around 24.5 mpg. On a recent 300-mile trip, I averaged 31.2 mpg with luggage and a passenger. The front seats are comfortable, but the seat backs are shaped oddly, and can become annoying. The back seat is huge, and is more comfortable than the front. It is very enjoyable to drive, with lots of power, engaging handling, and a firm yet compliant ride. It is quiet inside, with only minor road noise. The BOSE sound system sounds great, and the radio display is excellent. I would highly recommend this car to anyone.

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  Maxima Overdrive - 2007 Nissan Maxima
  By TonyLove - July 4 - 2:00 pm

  I owned my previous car for over 10 years, so it was time to start car shopping, looked at the Maxima SE with the driver package due to its size and highly competitive price for the amount of driver features. I was pleased! I drove from Atlanta, Georgia to the white-knuckle mountains of West Virginia, without stopping until I got to Wythesville, VA, which is ~400 miles from my door without stopping for gas. I only stopped because I was driving for 4 hrs and needed to rest. I averaged 29 MPG with the cruise control set. The XM radio, Bose system, handsfree Bluetooth to my cell talking to the wife and family, etc., all kept me company during the 8.5 hr journey.

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  2nd GLE and love it! - 2000 Nissan Maxima
  By 2nd Maxima - July 3 - 10:00 am

  This is my second GLE. I bought it used with 50k, it was a great value for all the perks that the GLE comes with. I love the Bose radio. I beleive that for the money, there isnt a better value out there if you are looking for a high-class car on a middle-income budget. Ive had several clients get into my car and say "nice car!"